Austin O’leary Paul Lee Alex Nystrom

Sexual motivation is influenced by biological, psychological, and social- cultural influences. It differs from hunger motivations because we need food but we don’t need sex.

 Studies show that men become aroused when they see, hear or read erotic materials. Women also reported that they showed as nearly as much arousal to the same stimuli. (Heiman, 1975; Stockton & Murnen, 1992)  With repeated exposure, the exposure to erotic materials begin to habituate (lessens). For example, back in the 1920s, when female’s hemlines reached the knees, it was considered erotic. Nowadays, you see people in swimsuits and short shorts.  Exposure to sexually explicit material can have adverse effects. When males see tons of hot girls in movies, magazines, or etc, they begin to degrade their partners’ appearance, and often see average looking girls less pretty (Kenrick & Gutierres, 1980; Kenrick & others, 1989; Weaver & others, 1984)

 Our brain can influence sexual arousal and desire by imagination, so people who are paralyzed can still feel sexual desire, but no genital sensation (Willmuth, 1987)  Nearly all men and 40% of women who dream of sexual imagery end up with an orgasm (Wells, 1986)

 Over time, the percent of teenagers that have sex before marriage has sky rocketed. Before the 1900s, only about 3% experienced premarital sex, but now, about 50% of 9 th to 12 th graders have had premarital sex in the U.S.  Unprotected sex increased the rate of STDs.  American teens have higher rates of teen pregnancy and abortion because they don’t use contraceptives. Why?

 Ignorance- They don’t have the right ideas about birth control pills.  Guilt- 72% of girls’ age yrs old said they regretted it, and guilt reduces the willingness to use contraceptives.  Minimal Communication- They don’t feel comfortable talking about the topic.  Alcohol Use- Judgment, inhibition, and self-awareness is impaired, less likely to use contraceptive.  Mass Media- TV and movies portray unsafe sex, decreasing the use of contraceptives.

 High Intelligence- Teens with high intelligence often delay sex.  Religiosity- Religious beliefs, waiting till marriage.  Father presence- Father’s absence increases sexual activity in child.  Learning programs - Teens volunteering as tutors or teachers’ aides have lower pregnancy rate and often uses protection.

Mg